Bus stations, if done right, can be a good thing.

I'm from Sunderland so will use Park Lane as my example. The main user is Go North East with some coaching departures too and a smattering of Arriva. I remember when it opened, Stagecoach using it for their services too. Now if I wanted to use a Stagecoach Bus after getting off in Park Lane I would need to walk to one of the various streets or the stop that was installed near the crossing at the top of the station (a stop with no shelter or seats). Would Park Lane be able to cope with todays frequency of buses?

Park Lane replaced the old Park Lane and the more central bus station. I would argue that Park Lane isn't great when it's windy, wet or winter due to the fact it isn't enclosed. So the actual building design is poor (considering our weather). It does however have Metro Interchange facilities and a taxi rank.

You move to South Shields with its new Interchange. Its all indoors so plus points there. The town centre in Shields isn't a patch on what I remember it being as a kid, in particular the market. You also have the ferry landing which is a fair walk from the Interchange.

I've just returned from Palma which has a very good, central Interchange facility. Admittedly the bus bus station gave off old Eldon Square vibes with it being underground but once you got off the bus you were faced with railway platforms, shops, travel offices (remember those?), up to date departure boards and timetables as well as staff who were very helpful.

For me, bus stations need to be in the right location for everyone (Hexham), be of a good standard (indoor with facilities) and actually have services using them. I would also argue to bring back staff and travel shops/offices which would be particularly useful in touristy spots (Newcastle) and to help those who don't often use public transport. Also, not everyone has Internet access for timetables or to buy tickets. Whilst what we have may work for the majority (insert your own percentage here) , its not working for everyone.